The law, which includes the Ten Commandment and other 613 laws was given to bring man to end of himself, so that in his hopelessness, he would see his need for a saviour.
It was given because they rejected the Abrahamic covenant of Grace
Remember after God brought them out of Egypt to mount Sinai, He said to them, “if you keep my covenant, I will make you a kingdom of priest to God, a Holy Nation.” Exodus 19:6
Responding, they said…“We will certainly do everything he asks of us.”( Exodus 19:8)
In English, their response appears to be the right response, However, this statement in the Hebrew text, is actually a statement of pride and arrogance.
They were same people who could not obey simple instructions such as don’t have leftovers; don’t go out on the seventh day to go get MANNA. They said… “We will certainly do everything he asks of us” meaning all that God requires and demands of us, we are well able to perform”.
In other words, they were saying. “God stop assessing or blessing us based on your goodness.
Start assessing, judging, and blessing us based on our obedience or merit.
By this assertion, they exchanged covenants, from the Abrahamic covenant, which is based on grace or favour they did not merit, earn or deserve, to a covenant of law, which is based on their obedience to the letter of the covenant, and a violation the letters of the covenant meant they will not be blessed.
You see, they did not understand what they had asked for; they asked for a commandment they could not keep…
James 2:10 -11 “….For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.”
God realising that they could not keep the commandment, which means he could not bless them, immediately instituted the sacrifice, where the blood of animal was used cover their sin.
Exodus 20:24-25 “…Build for me an altar made of earth, and offer your sacrifices to me — your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats, and your cattle. Build my altar wherever I cause my name to be remembered, and I will come to you and bless you.”
Once a year, on the day called the “day of atonement” the high priest would go into the “Holy of Holies” covered in blood of to atone or cover for his sin and sins of the people. This sacrifice covered their sin for year. As long these sacrifice was made, God never saw the sin of Isreal…
To learn more, you can call or write to order my teachings on the Abrahamic covenant of grace.
Pastor Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe, Joint Heirs International, #441 Cresecent, Brockton MA 02302 : Worship Hours: Sunday 10a.m, Wednesday 7p.m, Saturday 6a.m : Phone: 508-510-5540: Email: info@jointheirsint.org
